Honda Pilot: 3 Rows of Seating for Up to 8 Passengers
The Honda Pilot has long been a favourite among Canadian families seeking a versatile, spacious, and reliable SUV. With its impressive three-row seating configuration, which accommodates up to eight passengers, the Pilot is an excellent choice for large families, carpooling enthusiasts, and those who simply appreciate the flexibility of extra seating.
Seat Configuration Options
The Honda Pilot offers various seating configurations to suit different needs:
Standard 8-Passenger Seating
Most trim levels of the Pilot come standard with seating for eight passengers distributed across three rows:
First Row: Driver and front passenger seats (2 seats)
Second Row: Bench seat with three positions (3 seats)
Third Row: Bench seat with three positions (3 seats)
This configuration is ideal for large families or those who frequently transport groups.
7-Passenger Option with Captain’s Chairs
Some higher-end trims, such as the TrailSport, offer a 7-passenger configuration:
First Row: Driver and front passenger seats (2 seats)
Second Row: Captain’s chairs (2 seats)
Third Row: Bench seat with three positions (3 seats)
The captain’s chairs provide a more premium feel and easier access to the third row.
Innovative Middle Seat (Touring and Black Edition)
The Touring and Black Edition trims feature a unique, removable middle seat in the second row, offering three distinct configurations:
Full 8-passenger seating with the middle seat in place
7-passenger seating with a wide centre armrest when the middle seat is folded down
7-passenger seating with easy third-row access when the middle seat is removed
When not in use, this removable seat can be conveniently stored under the rear cargo floor, providing unparalleled flexibility.
Dimensions and Comfort
Interior Dimensions
The Honda Pilot boasts impressive interior dimensions, ensuring comfort for all passengers:
Headroom (front/2nd row/3rd row): 1029 mm / 1021 mm / 998 mm
Legroom (front/2nd row/3rd row): 1041 mm / 1036 mm / 826 mm
Shoulder room (front/2nd row/3rd row): 1572 mm / 1567 mm / 1511 mm
Hip room (front/2nd row/3rd row): 1483 mm / 1458 mm / 1133 mm
These measurements demonstrate the Pilot commitment to passenger comfort, with particular attention given to the often-cramped third row.
Second-Row Comfort
The second row of the Pilot has passenger comfort in mind:
Increased legroom: The new model offers an additional 60 mm of legroom compared to its predecessor.
Enhanced recline: Second-row seats now feature up to 10 degrees of recline angle (an increase of 4 degrees), allowing passengers to find their perfect seating position.
Easy third-row access: The second-row seats have an increased forward tilt range, making it easier for passengers to enter and exit the third row.
Third-Row Improvements
Often a point of contention in three-row SUVs, the third row has seen significant improvements:
Increased legroom: The third row now has 16 mm more legroom, making it more comfortable for adult passengers.
Full-size seating: Unlike some competitors, the third row can accommodate three full-sized passengers, making it a true 8-passenger vehicle.
Comfort Features
The Honda Pilot comes equipped with a range of comfort features to enhance the passenger experience:
Heated seats: Standard across all trim levels
Heated steering wheel: Standard on TrailSport and higher trims
Tri-zone automatic climate control: Allows for personalized comfort in all three rows
Panoramic moonroof: Standard on TrailSport, Touring, and Black Edition, providing an open and airy feel to the cabin
Body Stabilizing front seats: Designed to reduce fatigue on long drives
Cargo Space and Versatility
The Pilot seating configuration doesn’t compromise on cargo space:
Behind the third row: 635 litres
Behind the second row (third row folded): Approximately 1,780 litres (estimated)
Behind the first row (second and third rows folded): 3,219 litres
The flat-folding seats in the second and third rows allow for easy transformation from passenger vehicle to cargo hauler.
Trim-Specific Seating Features
Sport and EX-L Trims
8-passenger seating standard
Option for 7-passenger seating with captain’s chairs on EX-L trim
TrailSport
Standard 7-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs
Designed for off-road enthusiasts who prioritize comfort and easy third-row access
Touring and Black Edition
8-passenger seating with the innovative removable middle seat
Premium materials and finishes for a more upscale feel
Technology Integration
The Pilot seating experience is enhanced by various technological features:
CabinTalk® in-car PA system: Available on EX-L and above trims, allowing the driver to communicate easily with third-row passengers
Multiple USB charging ports: Ensuring all passengers can keep their devices charged
Rear-seat reminder: Helps prevent items or passengers from being left behind in the second and third rows
Safety Features for All Rows
Honda prioritizes safety for all passengers, regardless of their seating position:
Three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor
3-point seatbelts at all seating positions
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system: Available in the second row and the passenger-side third row
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other three-row SUVs in the Canadian market, the Honda Pilot stands out in several areas:
True 8-passenger seating: Many competitors only offer 7-passenger configurations
Removable second-row middle seat: A unique feature not found in most rival models
Third-row space: The Pilot offers one of the most comfortable third rows in its class
Cargo versatility: The combination of removable seats and flat-folding options provides exceptional flexibility
Customization Options
Canadian buyers can further customize their interior with various dealer-installed options:
All-season floor mats
Cargo organizers
Seat covers
Rear entertainment system
Maintenance and Longevity
To ensure the longevity of the Pilot seating:
Regular cleaning and conditioning of leather surfaces (where applicable)
Proper use of the seat folding mechanisms
Adherence to weight limits and cargo distribution guidelines
Honda Pilot: The Perfect Family SUV
The three-row seating configuration on the Honda Pilot, accommodating up to eight passengers, sets a high standard in the Canadian SUV market. With its thoughtful design, emphasis on comfort, and innovative features like the removable second-row middle seat, the Pilot caters to a wide range of family needs and preferences.
Whether carpooling to hockey practice, embarking on a cross-country family road trip, or simply needing occasional extra seating, the Honda Pilot is a versatile and comfortable choice. Its balance of passenger space, cargo capacity, and modern amenities makes it a strong contender for Canadian families seeking a reliable and spacious SUV.
As SUV trends evolve, the Honda commitment to refining the three-row experience ensures that the Pilot remains a family-friendly vehicle at the forefront. Honda has once again demonstrated its understanding of the diverse needs of Canadian drivers, delivering a vehicle that’s as comfortable on city streets as it is on long-distance highway journeys.
